Healthy Living & Fitness

Top 10 Superfoods

It’s tough to be always on the go. But after months of not eating a healthy breakfast, drinking cans of soda and gulping down sugary cereal or pastry, the spikes of blood glucose with up and down surges of insulin only leaves you feeling hungry, tired and weak.

That’s why you should know about these top 10 superfoods. And include them in your diet every day. Think of them for your favorite superfood recipes for those crazy days.

1. Quinoa

On any list of top 10 superfoods, quinoa is sure to make the cut. It’s a gluten-free seed packed full of protein, fiber and minerals. Quinoa is really a seed, not a grain. Yet it is often classified as a whole grain, and is among the healthiest options in this category.

Quinoa has a fiber content twice higher than any other grain, and this helps in its ability to lower blood glucose, cholesterol and body weight. Quinoa superfood is also an excellent source of essential amino acids in your diet.

2. Honey

Honey, a natural combination of minerals, vitamins, sugars, water and protein, is another shoo in for a list of top 10 superfoods. Honey is loaded with vitamins B6, thiamin, niacin and riboflavin. In addition, minerals like zinc, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper and calcium are packed into it. Honey has antioxidants like flavonoids that reduce free radical damage that helps safeguard against inflammatory conditions and some types of cancer.

3. Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are among the healthiest superfoods on the planet. Virtually bursting with nutrients and goodness, chia seeds are surprisingly low calorie. Tiny and tasteless, chia seeds can be added to just about any meal or snack. Right from the time Aztecs and Mayans discovered its powerful health benefits, chia seeds have been used across the world by health conscious consumers. ‘Chia’ means ‘strength’ in the Mayan language.

4. Berries

Berries are super healthy. No wonder they are on any compilation of top 10 superfoods. Rich in vitamin C and fiber, berries are a nice and easy addition to many breakfast recipes and snacks. Berries boost the immune system and improve resistance to infections.

5. Sunflower Seeds

Many seeds are superfoods. Sunflower seeds are small, yet pack a powerful punch in a nutritional sense. Chockfull of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, sunflower seeds reduce the risk of heart attacks and preserve cardiovascular health. This top 10 superfoods pick is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, too. This accounts for their effectiveness in preventing disease and lowering blood pressure.

6. Avocado

Avocado superfood is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids that have a significant benefit for heart health. Avocados are also a good source of dietary protein, while being also low on natural sugars which is excellent news for diabetics. The fruit also provides a range of minerals and vitamins that help regulate digestion.

7. Maple Syrup

A surprising inclusion in this list of top 10 superfoods is maple syrup, used as an alternative sweetener to replace sugar. Maple syrup is a great source for manganese, a trace mineral that’s essential for brain and nerve activity as well as a variety of other bodily functions, and to keep energy up. Maple syrup also contains riboflavin, zinc, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

8. Paprika

Can a superspice make its presence felt on a collection of top 10 superfoods? If it’s paprika, then the answer is ‘Yes’. It’s perfect to boost the flavor of any recipe, thanks to its subtle yet spicy taste. Paprika has a high anti-oxidant content, as well as many vitamins like A and B6. It’s immunity-boosting and cancer-fighting capacity makes it a desirable superfood to include in your diet.

9. Beetroot

In addition to being helpful for cleansing the body, beetroot is rich in vitamins and minerals. Beets help purify the blood and safeguard the body against certain types of cancers. Beetroot improves mental health because it contains betaine, which is used to treat depression.

10. Cabbage

Cabbage, another top 10 superfoods, is an excellent vegetable that lowers cholesterol and protects against cancers. Cabbage is a great source of manganese and Vitamin C, as well as anti-oxidants known as polyphenols. The consumption of these helpful ingredients ensures a lowering in degenerative diseases.

There are several other superfoods, but these are the top 10 superfoods that you should consider including in your daily diet. To learn more about them and find superfood recipes that reveal some creative ways to add them to your diet, try out these useful guides…